Wednesday, 15 March 2017

ANGANWADI: THE COURTYARD SHELTER OF OUR MODEL VILLAGE


                   Anganwadi centers are the primary local institution where community activity can be focused with more credentials, when considering the significance and its importance in socio-psychological development of children and mothers. Anganawadi centers were set up under the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) in 1975.
Beneficiaries under the scheme are:
  •         Children in the age group of 0-6 years
  •          Pregnant women and
  •          Lactating mothers

Services under ICDS.
  • Ø  Supplementary Nutrition
  • Ø  Pre-school non-formal education
  • Ø  Nutrition & health education
  • Ø  Immunization
  • Ø  Health check-up and
  • Ø  Referral services

               Immunization, health check-up and referral services are related to health and are provided through National Health Mission and Public Health Infrastructure. The other three services are offered at Anganwadi Centers through Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHS) at grassroots level.
A step towards model Anganwadi:

Indicators of model Anganwadi:
  • ·         High facility infrastructure
  • ·         Sufficient ventilation and lighting
  • ·         Sanitation facilities
  • ·         Technological assistance
  • ·         Electricity and water supply facility
  • ·         Qualified and well trained workers
  • ·         Efficient distribution of services among the beneficiaries

          Anganwadi centers can facilitate and support generation of human and social capital at the micro level. So the co-operation of people and public representatives should be sought for development of Anganwadi centers. Regular training camps should be organized for the workers to increase their knowledge regarding different aspects of services provided especially growth monitoring and supplementary nutrition. They should also be supported with financial assistance at a decent rate.      
         Local design depending on the geo climatic conditions and construction material can be adopted when constructing Anganwadi building.solar-power system can be installed to make them energy efficient,and television for teaching purpose.                                                                                      
        Each Anganwadi will be treated as a centre where education can be received by children and they can also engage in play activities and access nutrition.   The interior should be designed in such a way that children will get attracted and acquire knowledge. Seats and activity tables should be made available to children. Educational and sports kits (Production of outdoor play equipment). Activity based learning approaches can be adopted. Cultural and sports competitions can be organized .A library with children’s book and magazines can be included. Rehabilitation of differently able children should also be taken care.
       Availing of a team of resource persons, for continuous assistance, monitoring and evaluation of service delivery can be initiated by panchayat. Anganwadi can act as a community center for children and mothers. Centre will also be a platform for skill development. This centre act as a focus for immunization, maternal care and gender sensitisation.An integrated Anganwadi model can be encouraged, which provides smart education, mobile vans, health awareness and skill training. The time should be allocated for the education of children and skill development in equal manner.

   Youth can facilitate the functioning of anganavadi through conducting interactive sessions, workshops, providing technical assistance, coordinating cultural activities and enhancing community participation. Street theatre,one act play, focus group discussions, skill development programmes etc can be lead by young people to aware the importance and functioning  of anganwadis.Youth can conduct study circles, Health camps, and carry out research studies on the same.

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